bikebob@crocker.com

Sunday 8/1: I had Alex and Scott join me for the ride over to the Montague plains where the rest of the group was waiting. Joining us for the ride was Matt S., CTD, Maxine, Kris, Lynn, Donna "The Hon", Kurt, Mick, Chris, Billie, Andrew, Elizabeth, and a couple of guy's whose name I have forgotten. We decided that since the group was pretty small we would all ride together. After everyone got their equipment set, we left the center of town and headed for the Telephone Pole Trail.  After we got to the top of the hill we re-grouped and then we headed out to the Toilet Bowl Trail. We managed to stay together all the way and everyone waited at the power lines for me to catch up. It has been so hot and dry that the plains are a giant dust bowl, with some of our favorite routes covered in 6 inches of powdered dirt. This makes for a somewhat difficult ride for some, and very uncomfortable breathing for everyone. I try to choose the trails that are in the woods and away from the open, sandy areas, that would be hard to ride on. I chose to take the middle route and I let Matt lead the way and he got us out to the trail in a somewhat 'round about fashion, but we all made it. I was really amazed at how well Andrew and Elizabeth did as we hit some pretty difficult sections of trail. I got to the dry brook where the others were waiting and soon I challenged everyone to ride over to the rock to watch the assault on the hill. Donna  made a try but she fell as she tried to make the crossover, but Lynn made it all the way and she was greeted with cheers and hi-fives from Donna and me. After that we got to watch Curt ride to the top of the rock with Alex and Matt. I made an attempt but I did not get too far this time. I will try again! After that, we made a run up the trail and then over to the Kibukus Trail. I rode up to the I-H wreck and waited for the group to arrive and as soon as the motorcycles passed we headed out for a loop down the back side of Willis Hill. I rode at the front most of the way and we all regrouped at the halfway point. We headed out after everyone was there and we got to the top of the ridge with out and trouble, but as I waited for the last few riders to come down the hill, I saw Andrew hit a rock, blow his front tire and crash pretty hard.  He got up and dusted himself off and CTD and I started to fix his flat. As Maxine passed us I told her to send the rest of the group back to the cars and that CTD and I would get Andrew back another way. After getting Andrew going we all made our way to the main power lines and soon we were back to the Telephone Trail, where we met Alex and Matt. They had left the group and gone to the well to get some water, but they could not find the group after they got water. We waited for a few minuets and I figured that the main group had gone back a different way, so we headed back to our starting point. We arrived at the cars, but no one else was there. We waited for a few minutes and CTD and I headed out in his Jeep to find the errant group. Just as we got to the turn onto the Telephone pole Trail we saw the riders exiting. We pulled up and waited for everyone to get out and then we headed back to the center of town. Once everyone was there, we commenced to feast on the salsa and dip provide by Donna "The Hon" as well as some great brownies provided by Maxine. we enjoyed another beautiful evening together and I look forward to nest weeks ride, because it will mean that I have finished my camps for this summer and I can again focus on other issues.

Thursday 8/5: Tonight we had 43 riders show up for our road trip. The route I had planned was the Sunderland 25 miler, with a longer loop up to Whately for the faster riders. I took over the duties for MaryEllen who wasn't able to ride tonight. After the main bunch left the parking lot I gathered up the six riders who would comprise my group, and we took off for our trip out to Millers Falls and then to Montague Center. We left the shop and headed for Turners Falls and we rode at a brisk pace as we headed down the hill. I noticed that many of the riders were not keeping their pedals level with the ground, so I rode along the line and gave some coaching to the group. We  made it to the traffic lights as a group and as soon as the light turned green, we were headed up the Third St. hill for Millers Falls Rd. As we got to the top of the hill Jeanne said that there was something wrong with her tire. We pulled over to the side of the road and sure enough, she had a flat. I rotated her wheel and I soon spotted a large piece of glass sticking out of the tread. I said, not to worry, that I would soon have her on the road. But when I went to remove the rear wheel, I saw that she had a nutted wheel and I did not have a wrench. At this point Bonnie went to see if she could find a wrench at the market and Karen said that she would run home (about a half a mile away) and see if she could find a wrench. Bonnie struck out, but soon Karen returned with a wrench. I went swiftly to the task and soon I had the tube replaced and the wheel was re-installed on the bike. During the episode, I was running a riding clinic, explaining pedaling and braking techniques. After checking out my work we headed out for Millers Falls. We rode along at a pretty good clip with Bonnie and Christina pushing the pace. I did what I could to keep up, but these girls are pretty tough, and I had to work pretty hard. After we got to RT. 63 we rested for a minutes and then we took off with Nikki Welsh and Christina pushing the pace. I followed with Bonnie and the rest of the crew for a few miles and then Bonnie and Christina picked up the pace and the group split. I rode with Karen for a while and then I could see that we were getting farther behind, so I had Karen turn and head down Swamp road, while I headed out to catch up with the rest of the group. I found Nikki and Maxine waiting for me at Swamp Rd. and they told me that the rest of the girls we down the road so I got them going and we all headed out to find the others. After catching the group we all headed through Montague Center and out to Hatchery Rd., where Karen was waiting for us. After everyone was together we headed for Greenfield Rd and then to Montague City Rd. I had everyone but Karen and Bonnie turn right and head back to the shop the way we came. Bonnie, Karen and I headed for Poet's Seat Tower on Mountain Rd. Bonnie was the first to the top and she decide to ride back to her house instead of riding back to the shop. Karen and I said good-bye and we headed for High St and the shop. When we got back there was a large group to greet us and CTD had refreshments for us. It was a great ride on another glorious summer night.

Thursday 8/12: I haven't ridden since last Friday because I have been very busy at the shop. I decided to ride with MaryEllen's group so that she could lead it for a change. Forty four people showed up tonight and we divided into three groups. The fast group had four riders, the middle group had thirty people and there were 10 girls plus me in our group. We left the shop after everyone else got going and we headed for Main St. We practiced making a group turn onto Hope St and everyone did a great job with this difficult maneuver. We headed down Hope St. and turned onto Washington St and then we crossed RT. 5&10 in a bunch. This group is really improving in the two weeks that I have been riding with them, everyone seems more comfortable riding in a pack. As we made our way down RT. 5&10 I noticed that Bonnie was falling behind quite a bit, so I dropped back to ride with her. She said that she hadn't been feeling so well and maybe that was why she was struggling, so I offered to give her a push. As I pulled alongside of her I looked down an I noticed that her wheel was hitting the brakes every revolution. When it was safe to do so, I had Bonnie pull over an I discovered that she had a broken spoke. At this point she was pretty tired and so I sent her back to the shop while I took off in pursuit of the rest of the bunch. I caught the girls on Hillside Road and soon we were all heading up the hill. After everyone got to the top we turned and headed down the bumpy descent towards River Road. We made the turn onto River Road and MaryEllen and Karen took off, leaving the rest of the girls strung out behind them. I raced up the road to catch MaryEllen and after I caught her I told her and Karen to keep on going back to the shop and that I would do the sweep. I dropped back and as each rider passed I sent them on their way back to the shop, telling them not to wait. As Sue Putnam passed I notice that she was looking a little tired so I offered her a GU pack. She quickly took the offering and soon was on her way. .I dropped back further and I finally ended up riding with Maxine and Nikki. We made our way back to the shop just at dusk, and we were greeted by the rest of the bunch. Everyone seemed to have a great time and I know that they all have improved enormously.

Monday 8/16: On the spur of the moment I decided to do a night ride with Mick. We left the shop at 8:00 for a quick loop up on the ridge. We met up with Glenn Beauchense on the trail and the three of us set out for an easy spin. We made our way over to Temple Woods and we rode down the Blue Dot Trail and then we turned onto the Green Dot Trail. About half way down the trail, Glenn's light started to dim so we decided to head for home. Glenn rode behind me, using my beam to guide his way. As soon as we were out of the woods he headed for his house while Mick and I headed for the shop.

Tuesday 8/17: Our ride tonight was scheduled to go over to the Coke Plant, but as I got ready, it seems that Cathy and CTD changed the route. When I came out of the shop to get ready to leave, CTD said that he wanted to ride up on the ridge. Lynn protested and I said that I would still take her and any other riders over to the CP if they wanted. After some negotiations, we all agreed to go to the ridge. We had 14 people in the group so we decided to split up. Matt S. took a group that included Mick, Scott, Patrick, Dave F., Karl, and headed up the trail with CTD leading a group that included Lynn, Diana, Cathy, Maxine, Steven, Tommy, and me. My bunch made our way up the hill and over to the Red Dot Trail with CTD leading. Everyone survived the missed turn onto the Orange Trail and we all met at the uprooted tree. After chiding our hero, we headed for the parking lot at Poet's Seat. I gave a little hill climbing clinic as we got to the steep climb and everyone who gave it a try, did very well. When we arrived at the parking lot, Matt and his bunch were just getting ready to continue. After they left we headed over to the Temple Woods trails. We made good time over to Bear's Den Road and we all regrouped and rested for a minute. CTD said that he wasn't feeling good and he headed back to the shop, while the rest of us continued on toward the Blue Dot Trail along the ridgeline. We stooped at the beginning of the trail and I cautioned the riders about the rocky conditions ahead. Steven and Tommy led the group as we headed down the trail. Everyone did very well on some pretty technical terrain and we all made it back to the parking lot without mishap. After a moments rest at the parking area, we headed for the shop along the ridge line. I rode to the front to warn the riders of a low branch and then I rejoined them at the end of the trail. After some discussion we all headed down the steep hill and then back to the shop. I was pleased to see that Lynn decided to come down the hill this way despite her apprehension. She and some of the others confronted their concerns and made a try at it. This is what it is all about.

Wednesday 8/18: I was treated to a special treat today, as a good friend of mine joined Jaybird and me for our two o'clock road ride. Walter Goodridge, a famous wood carver from Conway Ma., was having glass work done on his truck, and he brought his bike to go for a ride while the work was being done. We all wanted a mellow ride so I decided to do the Thursday ride. We left the shop and rode over to Montague and then up the hill to Leverett. We rode up Cave Hill and then down to Leverett Center. From there we made our way to RT. 116 and we rode up to South Deerfield and then back to the shop. We averaged 19.5 mph and I was pretty tired by the time we got back.
    The night ride was a loop over to the Coke Plant and I was joined by Cathy, Tommy, Josh, Steven and Mark. We rode the trails behind Stop&Shop and then over to the trailhead at the plant. Most of the group rode in from the swamp, while Tommy and I took the trail behind the guardrail. We all met at five points and then rode up Luke Skywalker to the water tower. About a quarter of the way up we ran into Kris Black and "Rapid Rod" Perez. At the same time we met, Mark came up and said that his headset was loose and he needed a wrench. Since I didn't have one, Kris said that he was on his way out and they would get Mark home. The rest of the group rode to the top of the hill and we regrouped there. Since it was getting dark we decided to ride the trail across the top of the hill, instead of the power line trail.  Once we got over to the other side we rode down the hill to Jack's Pond. From there we headed over to the Hill of Doom where Steven an Tommy did personal best on the climb. After a minute at the top we headed back towards Five Points. We took the trail through the swamp and then we rode out across Rt. 2 and back to the shop. Everyone did very well and Tommy did not get caught in any of the traps that I set out for him.

Thursday 8/19: I was somewhat surprised by the size of the group tonight, since the route was a difficult one and the time is getting short, which means that we have to keep the speed pretty high to get everyone back to the shop before dark. We had 46 people ready to go as I gave the final course instructions. I mentioned that people who were planning to do the thirty-two mile ride needed to get to the bottom of the climb in 25 minutes or less, otherwise I suggested that people take the twenty-five mile Sunderland route. Thirty-eight people took off for our Cave Hill Rd. loop. I had the traffic control duties for the night, which meant that I stopped at the left turn onto Sanderson St as well as at the bottom of Mountain Rd., to stop cars momentarily and let the riders through. After which I had to catch the front of the group and return to "leading" the ride. I was getting somewhat tired as I got to the bottom of N. Leverett Rd. and I had slowed to make sure that the people who were coming this way knew where we were heading, and the group was soon out of sight. After a brief stop to pick up my computer which had fallen off, I gave chase. I could see the bunch up ahead but I still couldn't catch them until we were nearly at the top of Cave Hill. Once I got back on, I sped down the hill at fifty mph, and I arrived at the stop sign just behind Troy. I spent the next few miles riding in the group, making sure everyone was doing well and that the group stayed together. I rode to the front at most of the intersections and any turns that were on the route, so that people would not get lost or hurt. We made it to the bottom of Bull Hill Road and made the turn to home. It was nice to ride in a big group and we made great time as we rode up through So. Deerfield and onto Rt. 5&10. I dropped back to help Rick get back on after he got separated from us. He was able to draft me back onto the bunch and soon we were hot on the heels of Deb Schilling and her group. We caught up with Deb, Kris, Marsha and six others as we crossed the Cheapside Bridge and we all rolled back to the shop together. We were treated to the usual refreshments as we waited for all the riders to return. everyone exchanged stories of their trip and after a short while a large number of the riders headed for El Sabroso, and further revelry.

Friday 8/20: Our ride was scheduled for 8:00 and we had quite a few night riders show up for our trip to the Coke Plant. along tonight was CTD, Donna the Hon, Curt, Kris, Lynn, Cathy. Ken, Patrick, Tommy, Glenn, Dana, Mark and me. We split up at the shop with Patrick leading the faster group, and I took the remainder over to the trails, by crossing RT. 2 and then up the access road. As we entered the road, we encountered a couple of morons who had a large campfire right on the edge of the forest. We scared the idiots off and the dropped their beer and booked off towards the other side of the road. I got the group up to the truck turnout, and I used CTD's cell phone to call the fire and police departments. This really took the party out of that group, and they were soon on their way as the police a fire vehicles arrived. After that we headed for the trails by going in through the swamp and regrouping at Five Points. I led the bunch as we headed up the hill toward Luke Skywalker, but as I neared the top of the first climb, I felt something brush by me, head high. At first I thought it might be a falling branch of leave, but soon a huge bird appeared in my light beam. It was a large hawk and he flew straight onto a six inch diameter tree and was holding on looking back at me. I shouted to the people behind me and as I turned back to look at the bird, he took off, flying straight at me with talons forward. I dove to the right an just missed getting hit. Donna the Hon saw it and was clearly surprised by the encounter. After a moment to recover we headed on our way towards the Luke Skywalker trail. Since we had some new riders tonight, I stopped at the bottom of Luke to make sure everyone made the turn. After everyone passed, I rode up the hill past several of the riders and waited at the top. After all the riders arrived, we headed off towards the power lines. We rode down the power lines  towards Red Rock.  and then we headed over to the Hill of Doom. As we got to the top of the Hill of Doom, we could see Patrick and his group coming towards us. We watched as their lights threaded through the trees as they made their way up the hill. After all in Patrick's group had joined us we then headed out for the streambed climb, but just after the double dip, I could hear Cathy yell from behind me. It seems that the dear girl broke her chain and since Ken and I were up ahead, she had to run up to where we were stopped to get a repair. After Ken and I got the new link installed we all headed up the streambed. Everyone rode at a steady pace and soon we were back at Five Points. We made our way through the swamp and then we rode over to the RT. 2 crossing. We all made it back to the shop safely and enjoyed some refreshments provided by CTD. Donna the Hon provided a loaf of bread and dip, that everyone enjoyed.

Saturday 8/21: I traveled over to Montague Center to do the "Old Home Days" fund raiser at 10:30. I was met over there by the Heider's. After a few minuets we were on our way for a quick loop up on the Plains. We rode up the Telephone Pole trail and over to Willis Hill. We waved at the environmental police officer who was parked in the woods along the trail, to catch illegal dumpers and other four wheelers on the Plains. We rode up the steep trail near Red Rock and then we headed past the I-H wreck and then down to the Middle Trail. We rode back to the center along the usual route. We had a good time under somewhat gray sky's. It was a good ride but the promotion was somewhat lacking. Next year I will have to make sure that there is more advertising by the organizers of the Old Home Day's.

Sunday 8/22: I scheduled a long ride for this morning and I was greeted by an eager group that included Timster, Nancy, Mark, George Bernegger, Wayne, and Tom. I gave a short course description, which included the warning that the route had a 10 mile climb that comes at the 23 mile mark and that everyone should bear this in mind when we are riding down the flat valley. I cautioned the riders not to use too much energy before the hill, because the last 35 miles would be difficult. After the instructions we headed out of the parking lot and turned south. We rode down 5&10 at a 24mph pace, which I thought was a bit much, but hey, if the others could do it, I can do it. We rode in a pace line down to Northampton and we turned right onto Hatfield St. We turned right at the end of Hatfield St. onto Bridge St. and headed over to RT. 9 where we turned right and headed west. Timster was getting a little tired at this point and he decided to stop at Look Park, where his company was having their picnic. From Look Park we headed towards Williamsburg and the ten mile climb. I watched as Wayne and Mark rode up front and I drifted to the back to ride with Nancy and George. Everyone worked very hard on the climb and we all got to the top of the hill within sight of each other. Wayne and the lead riders got to the top of the hill and waited for the rest of us in front of the Goshen fire house. We all stopped briefly there before continuing on towards RT. 112. After we made the turn onto RT. 112 , I rode at the front as we made our way up the incline towards the D.A.R. forest on RT. 112, and after we crested the last hill, I again drifted back to Nancy and Mark who were near the back. I rode down from the D.A.R  hill with them and then I rode to the front to pull the group up the next hill. After we got to Ashfield I again dropped back and rode down Ashfield Mountain with Nancy. Nancy and I rode on towards RT. 2 and although we could see the rest of the group ahead, we never caught them. Everyone waited at the intersection of RT. 112 and RT.2  for us, and after a few minutes rest we headed down the road toward Greenfield. We rode at a steady pace and everyone was relieved after we got to Main St. in Greenfield, knowing that we only had a mile to go. It was a great ride and although it was a lot of work, it was a lot of fun as well.

Tuesday 8/24: Our ride for tonight was a trip over to the Coke Plant with Cathy, Ken, Patrick, Tommy, Lynn, Kris, Mick, Scott, Matt S., and Alex   joining me on a beautiful summer evening. We rode over to the trails in two groups, with Patrick leading one group and Ken and I the other. We made our way up the Luke Skywalker trail to the water tank where we re-grouped. From there we rode over to the power lines and then down to Red Rock. We took the road over to the Messed-Up trail and then over to the Hill of Doom. After everyone got to the top, Ken led us down the Old Orchard trail and then on to the double hills. We then went up the Brook Trail and across to the bottom of Double Death. We all took turns on Double Death, with ken and I being the only ones to ride to the top, and everyone else walking a portion of it. We rode down the Secret Trail and over to Five Points in a group. By this time we started to lose daylight, so we headed out through the swamp and over to the RT. 2 crossover and then back to the shop. We had the full August moon rising to light our way as we rode along Gill Rd., it just doesn't get any better than this.

Wednesday 8/25: Tonight will be one of the few remaining rides that we will take that will not require a headlight of some sort. The days are getting shorter and we will need to be prepared for darkness. I decided to ride with the slower group tonight as this was Tommy's first ride on his new bike and I wanted to make sure he did OK. The faster group which included Matt, Patrick, Dave Flemming, Mick, Scott, and Alex left ahead of us for a trip over to the Coke Plant. My group included Cathy, Ken, Tommy, Mark, Bill and myself. We left the shop and rode the trails behind Stop&Shop the trip went well and I finally made it up the hill on the new section after trying it on the last ten or so rides. We rode over to the trailhead at the Coke Plant in a group and we went into the woods by the power line entrance near the factory. Ken and I rode up to the top of the Hill of Doom and waited for Cathy and Tommy. we rode down the hill and then up to the top of Lost Trail. From there we rode over to The bottom of Double Death, but since it was getting late we decided to head out. We rode down the hill to Five Points and then we headed out through the swamp. As we got to the beginning of the swamp Ken fell back to ride with Cathy, while Tommy and I headed out. I watched as Tommy rode through the roots without any difficulty and he  did a great job riding over some of the more technical terrain on his new K2 bike.  I stopped to see if Ken and Cathy were OK and I told Tommy to keep going. Now, usually Tommy will stop at every intersection, but tonight he kept on going, and when Ken, Cathy and I got to the end of the trail there was no Tommy. I sent Ken off in one direction while Cathy and I went the other way to look for Tommy. Cathy and I found Tommy about a quarter mile away and we had him follow us out to the trail's end. Ken soon joined us and we followed the trail over to the RT. 2 crossover. We again rode down Gill Road by moonlight and soon we were all back at the shop. Patrick and his crew were already there waiting for us. Patrick told us that they had a good ride, so it was another great day.

Thursday 8/26: The skies were cloudy and threatening when our riders started to arrive for the road ride. George "sunshine" Bernegger was whining about getting wet, and after getting hammered by everyone within earshot, he decide to ride after all. We had twenty six riders start out on the ride led by myself and Dick Easton. MaryEllen rode 12 miles with Sue Putnam and I will get a report for her ride, later. My bunch took off and headed down High St. at a 16 mph pace. We turned onto Main St and then we took a left onto Hope St. in one large group. We made our way down Hope St. and onto RT. 5&10 where we headed south over the Cheapside Bridge. We took a left onto River Rd and at this point the group split up. I rode up to the front after my stint as traffic cop at the corner, and soon we were rolling down River Road towards RT. 116 in South Deerfield. We made a couple of good charges up the hills and then we rolled easy to let everyone get back on. Our group ended up being twelve riders, and we did very well staying together as we got across RT. 116 and headed over to Christian Lane. We all rode up the hill to Whately Center and turned onto North St and headed towards So. Deerfield. I was doing pretty well on the hill sprints and I was confident that I would take the short hill on the way over to Whately Rd., but I got nipped by George B., as he slipped by me when I sat up early. The cagey old fox got me in a classic move, that I should have been looking for. Never again, George! After that we headed past the donkey farm and I missed the town line sprint that was taken by Dick. We kept on rolling over the flat sections and up the hill on So. Mill River Rd. and eventually we got over to Stillwater Rd. It was here we encountered a large farm truck that was spewing large amounts of diesel smoke. The noxious fumes from the diesel engine kept me at a distance but MPM took off and drafted behind. This was not the best of moves because of the smoke that you inhale, but also there is the danger of drafting a vehicle that has an uncertain itinerary. Luckily, after MPM broke off the draft, the truck suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, making me certain that I made a good choice, and causing the entire group to pause for a couple of minutes, while the truck backed up. After we got going again we headed for the hill on Upper Road. I blew up near the top of the hill and soon I was at the back saving a little for the last town line sprint. I have a huge advantage at this, since I have competed on this very road against some of the finest riders in the country. I waited for just the right moment to make my jump, and soon I was all alone crossing the line. I rolled around the corner and waited for the group and soon we were all heading up Main St towards the shop. Although it was nearly dark we all managed to get back safely. It was a great ride!

Sunday 8/29: The road ride left the shop at 9:00 am and the five of us took off for a ride down River Rd. in Deerfield. I was leading the group as we made our way past the train yard and down the hill past the McClleand Farm. We rode together as we headed up the first set of hills, but soon CTD and Cheryl were falling behind. I stayed back with them as Nancy and Mark Ziter started to pull away from us. After we past the Goodyear Farm, I rode up to Nancy and Mark and told them to continue on the 30 mile loop up to Whately, since Cheryl and CTD would have a hard time catching up. I then drifted back and the three of us rode down to RT. 116 and then we rode up to Sugarloaf St. and headed back to the shop. We had just arrived back, when Nancy and Mark returned and we all enjoyed the refreshments provided by CTD.
    The Family ride was our usual trip to the Plains. I was able to leave the shop right on time so that we were able to get going at about 5:20 instead of 5:45 which has become our custom. Along for the trip was the Heider's x4 as well as Maxine,CTD, Charlie E., Andy S., Jon O., Matt S., Mick, Scott, Kris, Lynn, Steven, Chris W, Todd W. and me. we headed out for the Telephone Pole Trail and we re-grouped at the top before we headed out to the Toilet Bowl Trail. I switched bikes with Ken to see if I could discover the source of his squeaking sound. I ripped down the trail all the way to the power lines where we stopped and switched back. I told Ken that he either needed to tape the bottom bracket to quiet the noise, or buy a new bike. He said he would get back to me on those wonderful choices. We continued out to the new section that we have been doing lately and soon we were all out to the road. I led the group as we headed to the Brook Trail and eventually to the Middle Trail. Just as I was waiting for the last riders to make the turn onto Middle trail I saw Kris coming up the road. I could also see a couple of riders behind him and doing the quick math that I am so famous for, I concluded that these riders were not from our group. But, as they got closer, I could see that it was Donna the Hon and Curt. It seems that they had missed the start and they raced out to catch us. Sometimes it is good that we are so predictable! After a short rest we headed up the Middle Trail and soon we were at the bottom of the Kiabuckus Trail. Pat Kris and a couple of the kids headed out to assault Willis Hill and then ride to the I-H wreck, while Curt and I led the rest up the Kiabuckus Trail to the wreck. When everyone was there, Kris announced that he had finally conquered Willis Hill. and his pleasure was obvious. I mentioned that, since I didn't see it, it doesn't really count. After I dodged a couple of rocks and sticks from the booing crowd, I led the troops over to another new section. I cautioned everyone about the rough nature of the trail and that everyone should be careful. I followed the group as we made our way over to the beginning of the trail, and after making sure that everyone made the correct turn, I headed down the hill. I got about half way and I saw Mick lying in a heap beside his bike. I know that this is often a bad sign, so I decided to stop and see if he was OK. After Ken arrived, he checked to see that Mick's bike was not damaged, we had a dilemma on our hands. Do we finish off Mick, and bring out the bike as salvage or do we allow him another chance. After a 20 second decision process (about the max for me and Ken at this point) we figured that the salvage process would entail work , so we helped Mick up and we all rejoined the group at the bottom of the hill. After that bit of excitement we all rode back up over Red Rock and then out to the banked trails. After a quick head count at the power lines we headed back to the center of town, where we enjoyed the refreshments provided by CTD, Maxine and Mrs. Whitney. It was another wonderful trip on a beautiful day.

Tuesday 8/31: It was another nice day today and I was joined by a group of eight riders for a trip over to the Coke Plant. We all rode the trails behind Stop&Shop together and while Cathy and Tommy watched I rode up the hill on the new section of trail. After that feat, I rode over to the road to re-join the rest of the crew, who were waiting for me. I sent Patrick and three other kids on ahead and I rode over to the industrial park with Cathy,Ken and the rest of our bunch. We rode into the trails behind the plant and then through the swamp to Five Points. We rode up Luke Skywalker Trail to the water tower and then we re-grouped. After everyone got to the top, I realized that we would needed to get heading towards home, because the sun was setting, so I headed the riders over to the power lines and then to Red Rock. We gathered at the rock for a moment and then we rolled down the road to the Messed-Up Trail. We then rode on the trails that connect to the mud road, and finally we rode down the mud road to Five Points. After everyone got to Five Points, it was pretty dark so we rode straight out to the RT.2 crossover and back to the shop. It was a good ride, and with the full moon rising over the hill, the scene made for a beautiful end to the day.